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20th December 2016
12:10am GMT
Well hello there, New Years Eve... Back again, sending anyone without any plans for the evening into a state of panic and anxiety, with unrealistic expectations of romantic midnight kisses, and serendipitous encounters with handsome strangers. It's Hollywood's fault really, we've come to expect this picture perfect, Americanised, Auld Lang Syne singing version of a night that really is just another evening out of 365. Like seriously what's with the ball drop, why is it always Carson Daly presenting in Time Square, and wouldn't somebody else like a chance?
The OC though, that's the one that really got me. Young, impressionable 14 year old me expecting each of my New Years Eves to pan out exactly the way they did for Ryan & Marissa forever more. When in reality, your night is probably not going to involve fighting with your significant other, subsequently regretting your actions and driving across LA in gridlocked traffic in order to reach her by midnight for the perfect New Year's Eve kiss, accompanied by a perfect soundtrack. No no, my most memorable one to date was probably when we got a too preoccupied by pre-drinks, arrived at the club too late, and spent the countdown in a miniscule queue for the cloakroom. Or last year, in the English countryside, some of my pals nearly missed the countdown as they were outside smoking, and upon their return we celebrated by dancing on chairs to Celebration by Kool and the Gang. Hilarious, but certainly not an evening of Hollywood standards. Still though, it can be such a fun evening if you've got the right crew, and the right plans, so here are a few suggestions to ensure you can have the best possible New Year's Eve.
Drinking cans of Jamaican Red Stripe whilst groovin' to some reggae sounds like a perfect way to spend the evening. Housed just a little bit outside of town, in Phibsborough, you'll be well enough away from the crowds but with plenty of room for a good gang of you to descend upon the pub. There'll be pizza, cheap pints, and music 'til late as well as an astroturf smoking area, and chilled vibes. Sure what more could you want?
Nothing like getting all dolled up or throwing on a tux to sharpen up; black tie events are so fun, and everyone always looks so swanky. Once again, New Year's Eve balls usually take place in hotels and venues outside the city so no getting stuck in a taxi on Camden St for an hour. With most of the NYE balls being in aid of charity, it's also a very glam way to give back. Fill a table with your besties, grab the champagne and ring in 2015 in style.
Have any of your mates got a random holiday home somewhere down the country that you can all retreat to? This is an unreal way to make a few days of it, before reality recommences. Do a big shop, load up the gaff with plenty of food (NB: fry material for bacon butties) and drink, and you're good to go. You can have an old school house party on New Year's Eve and clear your head with a countryside walk the next day (if you're up to it!).
